Spring splendor in N.J.: 7 places to see the Garden State in full bloom (2024)

This article has been updated to reflect the latest information for 2022.

There’s nothing quite like spring in New Jersey. True to its nickname, you’ll find beautiful cherry blossoms, tulip fields, rolling hills of pure greenery and many other awe-inspiring natural landscapes exploding with vibrant colors in the Garden State.

Now that warmer weather is upon us, we put together some of the places that best showcase the season, so that you can explore the beauty of New Jersey.

Holland Ridge Farms, Cream Ridge

Holland Ridge Farms burst onto the scene in April 2018 with its first tulip festival, and it now is a must-visit spring destination. Later in April, more than 8 million tulips will come to life in a dazzling display of color that’s bound to leave visitors speechless. While last year’s festival was a bit different because of the coronavirus, visitors will be able to walk through the beautiful fields once again in 2022. Tickets will be available for purchase in April through its website.

Address: 86 Rues Road, Cream Ridge N.J. 08514

Essex County Cherry Blossoms, Newark

Home to the largest collection of Japanese cherry blossom trees in the country — more than 5,000 to be exact — the Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival is an event unlike any other in New Jersey. Thousands of visitors flock to Branch Brook Park in Newark and Belleville each year to soak in the beautiful spectacle. Organizers are excited to welcome visitors back for an in-person celebration from April 2-10, 2022.

Address: Park Avenue and Lake Street, Newark, N.J. 07104.

St. Catharine Church, Spring Lake

Described by the Monmouth County Historical Commission as “the finest high-style example of Classical Revivalarchitecture in Monmouth County,” St. Catharine Churchis steeped in history and natural beauty. Walk the grounds and take in the views surrounding Spring Lake, where you’ll find beautiful blossoms and water features springing to lifeas the historic churchstands within apicturesque backdrop.

Address: 215 Essex Ave., Spring Lake, N.J. 07762

Red Mill, Clinton

The four-story grist mill and historic site in Clinton is eye-catching any time of year, but there’s something about spring that makes the bold and brilliantred-colored millstand out. The unique structure is on the National Register of Historic Places, and visitors can explore the mill as well as 18th- and 19th-century quarry village buildings, carriage sheds and a one-room schoolhouse during their visit.

Address: 56 Main St., Clinton, N.J. 08809

Mount Tammany, Delaware Water Gap

I mean —c’mon —this view alone should be enough motivationto get out and explore the Garden State this spring. Soaring more than 1,500 feet above the surrounding landscape, Mount Tammany attracts both casual tourists and hardcore hikers once the warm weather settles in. Now is the time tograb your gear and begin your climb to the top.

Parking address: Exit 1, Route 80 West, Columbia, N.J. 07832

Colonial Park Gardens, Somerset

If you love horticulture, Colonial Park Gardens is the place to be. The Rudolph W. van der GootRose Garden, shown above, is a World Federation of Rose Society award-winning display within the parkthatreveals New Jersey spring in its purest form.Whileyou’re there,check out the arboretum, fragrance and sensory garden, and perennial garden.

Address: 156 Mettlers Road, Somerset, N.J. 08873

Pine Barrens, South Jersey (multiple locations)

The Pine Barrens is one of the most underrated natural destinations in New Jersey, which means there’s plenty of hidden beauty to discover. The heavily forested region takes up nearly 25% of the state’s land area and it’s filled with diverse wildlife, plants and outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, swimming and more.

Address to Batsto Village, a location in the heart of the region: 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, N.J. 08037

Where’s your favorite place to visit New Jersey during spring? Tell us in the comments below.

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